Annual dolphin census begins in Bhitarkanika

Bhubaneswar:  The counting of dolphins began on Sunday in Bhitarkanika in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.

The annual dolphin census will be conducted in the sea between Dhamara and Devi River mouth as well as in the rivers and creeks within Bhitarkanika mangrove wetland, informed an official.

The Forests and Environment Department is conducting the annual dolphin census.

As many as nine teams have been constituted for the census.

While 5 teams will be engaged for counting in the sea, 4 teams will conduct the counting in rivers and creeks.

As many as five species of dolphins — Irrawaddy, Bottle Nose, Hump Back, Finless Porpoise and Gangetic — are sighted off the coast along Bhitarkanika.